It's been almost a year since Mary J. Blige visited the area, and a lot's happened — including that she filed for divorce from her longtime husband/manager, Kendu Isaacs. While, by definition, her marital status doesn't necessarily have anything to do with her musical career, who knows what sort of emotional resonance it has on the rap/R&B star?

Truth told, though, Blige has overcome a lot of difficulties in her life, and it's probably fair to say that she finds recording and performing therapeutic. In the first of her two 2015 Foxwoods shows — which I witnessed — Blige spent a lot of between-songs time talking about empowerment, strength, and conquering adversity. Then she and her wonderful band went back to kicking musical ass in support of such sentiments with hits like "You Bring Me Joy," "Real Love" and "Be Happy."

Expect a similar commitment to artistic excellence during her Friday and Saturday concerts, taking place in the Grand Theater at Foxwoods.

Mary J. Blige, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Grand Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino;  $75-$150; 1-800-200-2882.